VehicleVerdict

2009 Dodge Avenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Dodge Avenger sits mid-pack among Avenger years: 99 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 236, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), electrical system (11), and airbags (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

99

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Avenger years?

Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted1,238 complaints1995: 254 complaints1996: 235 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 72 complaints1999: 96 complaints2000: 33 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1,238 complaints2009: 99 complaints2010: 248 complaints2011: 311 complaints2012: 837 complaints2013: 871 complaints2014: 329 complaints2015: 1 complaints
Avenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avenger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Dodge Avenger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1212%
Electrical System1111%
Airbags1111%
Fuel System1010%
Transmission1010%
Other99%
Tires & Wheels88%
Visibility & Wipers77%
Speed Control77%
Brakes66%
Body & Structure33%
Steering22%
Seat Belts22%
Suspension11%

Does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V047000Fuel SystemFebruary 4, 2009 · 91 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 91 MY 2009 SEBRING AND DODGE AVENGER EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A COMPATIBILITY ISSUE BETWEEN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SOFTWARE AND FUEL PUMP MODULE CAN RESULT IN THE FUEL GAUGE OVERSTATING THE ACTUAL FUEL TANK LEVEL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE MAY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL FUEL REMAINING IN THE TANK.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V528000TransmissionOctober 9, 2008 · 712 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 28, 2015

“I WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY ROAD WHEN A TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME WITH NO TIME TO STOP AND SMASHED MY WHOLE FRONT END IN MAINLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND I HAD NO AIR BAG DEPOLYMENT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 19, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 28, 2015

“THE VEHICLE STALLS, AND THE ENGINE REVS UP WHEN BRAKING, IT LISTS A MISFIRE ON THE CODE READER. NOT SURE WHAT THIS IS BUT THE INTERNET SAYS IT MAY BE A NEED FOR A REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION/PCM. IF IT NEEDS REPROGRAMMED THAT SHOULD BE A RECALL! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN BRAKING TO HAVE THE ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 11, 2012

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 2, 2014

2009 Dodge Avenger — common questions

Is the 2009 Dodge Avenger reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 99 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Avenger year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Avenger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), airbags (11 complaints).

Does the 2009 Dodge Avenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Dodge Avenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Avenger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avenger years to avoid are 2008, 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among Avenger years belongs to 2015.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.